If you are like most online writers this morning your thoughts are probably filled with Google's unveiling of its new algorithm. Reports across the Internet reveal that many writing sites took a big hit in ratings and dropped drastically in ranking on Google. Until now, many held the "wait and see" approach not fully believing that Google would really go through with its threats to bury the little guy--but for now, at least, it appears they did.
The reason? According to Google--to improve the reader's experience--to weed out inferior sites--to give the reader the most relevant information. A few quick searches brought me lots of commercial sites and few informational sites. I won't get into the implications of that in this post, as it goes a bit beyond the direction I want to take.
I want to focus on is what this means for the online writer. We all know that it means quick change is necessary, but few of us know exactly what we need to do to keep up with the change. Just when we thought we had it all figured out and were beginning to get a grasp on SEO the proverbial rug has been pulled out from under us.
Until the dust settles, it is anyone's guess where this will all lead--but as writers many of us cannot afford to sit back and wait. So what do we do?
The reason? According to Google--to improve the reader's experience--to weed out inferior sites--to give the reader the most relevant information. A few quick searches brought me lots of commercial sites and few informational sites. I won't get into the implications of that in this post, as it goes a bit beyond the direction I want to take.
I want to focus on is what this means for the online writer. We all know that it means quick change is necessary, but few of us know exactly what we need to do to keep up with the change. Just when we thought we had it all figured out and were beginning to get a grasp on SEO the proverbial rug has been pulled out from under us.
Until the dust settles, it is anyone's guess where this will all lead--but as writers many of us cannot afford to sit back and wait. So what do we do?
- Keep Writing --slacking off now will only compound the issue.
- Explore Your Options--take the time to look at what sites are ranking well with the new algorithm.
- Maintain Quality--this may be more important than ever.
- Find a Niche-- the fewer competing articles there are out there, the better your chances of reaching the top. Some reports indicate that those with niche articles have faired better since the change.
- Seek Out Private Clients--although always important, now might be the time to align yourself with work for private clients to offset the reduced earning you are likely experience from writing sites.
1 comment:
I think private clients are always the way to go... I could never wrap my head around rev-share opportunities, and private clients seem to pay a good deal more.
Excellent pointers for online writers here - I'm enjoying several of your other posts, as well.
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